The Social Studies curriculum is designed to teach and engage students in the history of the modern world, as well as in our own nation’s diverse cultural and political heritage.  It is through the study of the world and American history that students will begin to recognize how our nation’s ideals and world-wide events have influenced the issues, institutions, and practices of the modern-day.

As freshmen, students will explore topics in World History, such as the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and the American and French Revolutions.  The creation of the Constitution will be introduced this year.  Students will examine historical events, literature, art, and music, and will demonstrate their knowledge through independent research, collaboration, and projects.

Sophomores will take US History I exploring the beginnings of the nation through the Civil War and Reconstruction, with a focus on the issues that slowly divided the new nation.  Juniors will continue their study of history with US History II.  In this course, students will dive into post-Civil War America, stressing the political, economic, cultural and social changes that defined America for the next century.  Students in these classes will demonstrate their understanding through presentations, essays, projects, and research paper.  Juniors also have the choice to take Advanced Placement US History, which culminates in an AP exam in May.

All students are encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of electives offered in the Social Studies department.  Popular electives offered include Sociology, Psychology, Justice and Law, Contemporary Issues, and 1960s and 1970s America.  The Social Studies department also offers two Advanced Placement courses: AP U.S. History and AP Psychology.